jab

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a sharp hand gesture (resembling a blow)
  2. noun a quick short straight punch
  3. noun the act of touching someone suddenly with your finger or elbow

Etymology

Originally a Scottish (unclear if Scots or Scottish English) form of English job (“peck, poke, thrust”), from Middle English jobben.

In classic literature

Synonyms

jabbing, poke, poking, thrust, thrusting

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